5.8 earthquake shakes items off shelves

A strong earthquake has hit the southern half of the North Island with items reported falling off shelves.

The Magnitude 5.8 earthquake went on for at least 30 seconds and was located 25 km south-east of Tokoroa at a depth of 196km.

The quake struck at 7:19am.

GNS Science said it was a "decent subduction zone quake" which equals deep and felt widely, though it is often not felt where it happened.

Caz Milligan wrote on Twitter there was significant shaking in Pohangina Valley.  "No damage, however items fell off shelves," she wrote.

In Hawke's Bay the quake rattled houses.  It was felt as far away as Wellington.

Sandra wrote on Twitter: "TV wobbled. House creaked. Photos on dresser shook. Cat was not perturbed and wanted breakfast. So much for animal senses."